MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) – French police intervened to halt violent clashes between followers of Olympique Marseille and Feyenoord forward of the second leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final on the Stade Velodrome on Thursday.
Iron bars have been utilized in brutal assaults and automobiles vandalised, native media reported, with police battling to maintain the state of affairs below management and utilizing teargas to disperse the followers.
The state of affairs had calmed down by the point the match kicked off at 8pm (1900 GMT).
Feyenoord coach Arne Slot informed reporters his staff’s bus had been hit by a brick on the best way to the stadium, a journey that was extended as police battled to steer the Dutch staff by way of the crowds of followers.
It was the newest in a string of incidents involving unruly supporters in French soccer this season. Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu advised the way forward for the skilled sport within the nation was in danger after the Ligue 1 sport between Olympique Lyonnais and Marseille was deserted in November because of violence.
St Etienne have been compelled to play behind closed doorways this month because of fan misbehaviour.
(Reporting by Nick Said, modifying by Ed Osmond)
